Fly Fishing Taster Day 2026.

On Saturday 28th March we hosted a very successful Fly Fishing Taster Day. To maximise the number of people that we could accommodate, we took bookings this year and had very regimented slots. Each angler started the day with a briefing from Iain Fraser. Retired Policeman Iain is an excellent fly tyer and qualified angling coach. He has fished all over the country and is particularly knowledgeable about fly life. This was a great introduction to the gentle art of fly fishing

Introduction and Briefing by Iain - accompanied by bacon rolls expertly cooked by his wife Ann,

Next our anglers moved on to Nigel who, assisted by some regular anglers and one of our bailiffs John Houghton, he expertly guided them to their first try at casting with an actual rod and also simulated what it would be like to get a fish on the line. Nigel has coached at Chigborough for over 20 years and he has a vast knowledge of our waters and the tactics that work here.

Nigel coaching over the grass.

Our anglers then went over the road to Rook Hall lake where Tim Joyce helped them to hopefully catch their first fish. Despite a difficult wind direction, 45 fish were landed by new entrants to the sport. Tim was ably assisted by regular angler Vince and up and coming youngster Olly, who has fished on the England youth squad,

The gently sloping Easterly facing bank of Rook Hall is ideal for learning to cast.

After a refreshing cuppa from the fishery lodge, anglers were then allowed to watch other newcomers or have a go with some of our regulars.

Thanks so much to all those who helped on the day, but also those who helped to promote the day including Si Main, Caroline Coastal Radion DJ (and owner of Maldon Boot camp here at Chigborough)

Thanks to our brilliant instructors and to all of those who came along to try this sport.

We hope you will book to come again soon.